16-year-old Penny is often upset with her friend Sasha. Sometimes Sasha is rude to her; sometimes she seems to be flirting with Penny's boyfriend. Penny complains to her other friends frequently about what Sasha is doing. One of her friends tells Sasha everything she hears, which only causes Sasha to act more rudely towards Penny. As many of us know, problems between peers are common in middle and high school. Like so many adolescents dealing with peer issues, Penny would benefit from having an outside figure to discuss situations with, help her seek positive treatment, and show her how to be kind to others when needed.

Seventh grader Ian tends to misbehave frequently in class. When his teachers try to punish him, they send him to the principal, but that doesn't seem to have much of an impact on him. Ian also does not listen to his parents when it is not convenient for him. He doesn't like being told what to do and believes that he should be in charge of his own life. Ian's issues with authority are a hindrance to his growth as a person and his positive relationships with others. A counselor could get to know Ian, look into why he might distrust authority, and provide a positive relationship with an authority figure.

17-year-old Rena can't concentrate in class today because she has had another fight with her boyfriend. All year she has been in a tumultuous dating relationship that has become her focus. Her parents are concerned about her grades, and her friends are concerned about her emotional outbursts, but she doesn't feel able to let go of this draining relationship. Like Rena, countless middle and high school students are unhappy, anxious, and distracted by challenges in their romantic relationships. If Rena had a counselor to see, she could sort through her situation with an objective party and be supported in doing what is healthy for her.

Tenth grader Simon is accustomed to being unpopular and picked on. Since middle school, he has been teased and never invited to weekend parties. Simon suffers from insecurity due to feeling socially inadequate. He refuses to ask a girl to a dance when the opportunities arise, he doesn't like starting conversations with his peers, and he keeps to himself for fear of being rejected. Simon could be helped by a counselor who will address his self-esteem and teach him social skills for making new friends.